My Finger is swollen due to an injury. What home remedy can I use to take away the swelling? I have no Epsom salt. Will warm water do?

If the injury is severe, you should consult a doctor who can determine the extent of the damage that has been caused. This can be done through an x-ray. If the injury is minor sports injury you can try out a few natural remedies that may help to reduce the swelling.

A hot water compress will be helpful in taking away the swelling from the injured finger. If Epsom salt is not available, it is fine, just the warm compress is enough to reduce some of the swelling. However, an ice compress is more beneficial in this case. Take a few cubes of ice and wrap them in a towel or put them in a bag, and apply this to the affected area. This will work to minimize the swelling. It is important not to put any kind of pressure or strain on the swollen finger, but you can move the finger gently to allow better circulation of blood and also to prevent the finger from becoming stiff. If you feel that the pain or the swelling is increasing or if you notice any formation of pus on the affected area, it is advisable to seek medical advice, as this may indicate a possible infection.

Another effective remedy is made with coconut, sesame or mustard oil, 2-3 crushed cloves of garlic, ½ tsp of turmeric powder, ¼ tsp of ginger powder and ¼ tsp of carom seed powder. Warm the oil and add the rest of the ingredients, taking care not to allow the oil to boil. When the mixture becomes lukewarm, you may apply it to the affected finger three times a day. The ginger, garlic and turmeric help to fight the infection and increase the circulation of blood in the area. Even if you apply a paste of only turmeric, it will serve to alleviate the infection as turmeric has natural antiseptic properties. You can make the paste by mixing some turmeric powder with water. After applying, cover the area with a piece of cloth and leave it on for an hour. It is also recommended that you reduce the intake of refined sugar, white flour and wheat in your diet. Drinking a glass of warm water to which a few drops of lemon juice has been added is also effective. Another method is to tape the swollen finger to the adjoining finger. Use some soft padding between the fingers before taping. The finger should be taped in a relaxed position for better healing. This may need to be done for about 2-4 weeks for it to heal effectively. However, if you find that the pain has increased after taping, it is better to leave the finger alone. Try this method only after checking with your doctor first.

answered by G M

Two remedies are suggested:

Take sesame oil or coconut oil or mustard oil, 20 ml. warm it in a bowl, while adding two or three crushed garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, ginger powder 1/4 tsp if available, carom seeds powder 1/4 tsp if available. Oil must not boil, let garlic turn golden brown then take it done from fire. When look warm apply to the swollen finger thrice a day. Garlic, ginger, turmeric take care of infection, and draw more blood to the finger so that immune system fights out the infection and removes damaged cells too.

Reduce refined sugar, floor, wheat in the food and take lemon water thrice a day (1/2 l3mon juice mixed in 1 glass water)

answered by S B

Using warm water compress alone without Epsom salt will help you to reduce the swelling, if you don't have Epsom salt it is not a matter of concern.

But using ice compress will be more effective in reducing the swelling. Put ice in a bag or towel and compress this on the swollen finger, to minimize the swelling.

Don't stress the hand with swollen finger; move the finger slowly for better blood circulation and to avoid stiffness.

If pain, swelling or redness increases or if there is pus formation on the cut due to injury, then there are chances of infection. Visit a specialist in such conditions.